Peru: Northern Peru

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The Pacific coast and Andean heartland of northern Peru is unfairly neglected by visitors in favour of the treasures of the south. The region is absolutely choc-a-bloc with vestiges of bygone civilisations, often as inspiring as the Inca. The untouched mountain landscapes and little-seen archaeological delights well reward travellers who make the sometimes long journeys to discover them. The attractive colonial towns of Trujillo and Cajamarca, 2,750m, have preserved much of their character, and are excellent bases for visits to the adobe pyramids of Chan Chan, and Inca baths and aqueducts respectively. Kuelap, one of the continent’s most dramatic temple fortresses is accessible via Chachapoyas, 2,335m, from the port of Chiclayo.

Things to do in Northern Peru

Visit pre-Inca cities and temples

See Karajia's sarcophagi in the cliffs

Visit a museum of mummies in northern Peru

Visit a Moche pyramid

What our clients say

Most memorable experience: "The museum with the treasures from the Lord of Sipan tomb, and then seeing the actual site. Breathtaking, and amazingly unpublicised."

PY, Stanley | August 2014 | 50 - 65 | With Partner

Peru is amazing!

"There is much more to Peru than just Machu Picchu and Incas. Trujillo, with the surrounding Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, along with Chan Chan are must visits and give a true insight into ancient Peruvian civilisations which date back to 200AD compared to the relatively recent 16th century Incas.”

SC, St Albans | March 2014

Wonderful!!!!

"'O wonderful, wonderful, and most wonderful wonderful and yet again wonderful, and after that, out of all whooping!’ Enraptured Rosalind said as much in As You Like It, and we can’t do better after the tour from which we have just returned. We doubted whether it would be possible to improve upon last year’s excursion to Chile and Bolivia, but you did it! For this was one of the most satisfying and stimulating holidays we have ever had. The northern circuit of Peru (from Chiclayo to Cajamarca) may have stretched us to the limit − yet with sights, sites and experiences to keep us entranced...we were able to appreciate properly the Cordillera Blanca and recognise this range as offering quite the best mountain scenery in the whole of the Andes, with snow-caked spires and ridges soaring above turquoise lakes to drool over. The long journeys did not trouble us at all. On the contrary, we were constantly riveted by what was to be seen around us, and never once did our attention or interest flag."

AD, Oxford | June 2013

Most Memorable Moment: “Trujillo – Great private tour. Learned a lot about the pre-Inca cultures. The Huaca de la Luna in particular was stunning.”

IE, Harpenden | June 2013 | Under 35 | With Partner

We were so pleased to retrace the steps we took in 2006, first to Huaraz and then to Trujillo and Chiclayo, for this time the weather was entirely on our side. Hence we were able to appreciate properly the Cordillera Blanca and recognise this range as offering quite the best mountain scenery in the whole of the Andes, with snow-caked spires and ridges soaring above turquoise lakes to drool over. The long journeys did not trouble us at all. On the contrary, we were constantly riveted by what was to be seen around us, and never once did our attention or interest flag....Vilaya Tours do a terrific job of promoting the Chachapoyas region and we wish them every success in what they are trying to do.

AD, Oxford | September 2012 | 65 and over | With Partner

Most memorable experience: “All our time in Huaraz, the Moche experience in Trujillo, the whole of the northern circuit of Peru from Chiclayo to Cajamarca with the marvellous team of Jose and driver Hegel, and Easter Island which was ideal after the more demanding experiences of northern Peru. There were just no duds....Improvements? “Barely at all. The rigours of trekking in northern Peru were understated for people of our age - and, we suspect, for younger travellers as well - but the compensations were enormous.”

AD, Oxford | September 2012 | 65 and over | With Partner

Northern Peru is currently a little less discovered which makes travel there more rewarding. The people have not been jaded with excess tourism and are truly welcoming. The wealth of ancient sites and beauty of the countryside means it deserves to be more visited - and it will be!

CP, Manchester | September 2012 | 50 - 65 | Solo Traveller

“The visits to the tombs and museums of Chiclayo far exceeded our expectations. Being less well known by tourists meant quieter visits with no crowds”

KG, Calstock | January 2011 | 50 - 65 | With Partner

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